"First, I want to tell everyone that I'm fine," reassured the Jumbo-Visma rider on social networks.
"Yesterday (Monday) I was involved in an accident in the Italian Alps. I am in hospital where I am receiving good treatment. Despite the seriousness of the situation - tests have shown that I suffer from a small neck bill-, I have never been in a life-threatening situation," he continued, indicating that he was in "stable" condition.
"Over the next few weeks, I will be completely focused on my recovery," concluded the runner, who should therefore miss the end of the season.
"We will miss Tiesj (at the Worlds) in Australia" at the end of September, reacted the Belgian coach Sven Vanthourenhout.
On Monday, the Belgian daily Het Laatste Nieuws announced that Benoot had been hit by a car during training.
According to the Flemish newspaper, the management of the Jumbo team had specified that no vital organ had been affected.
Benoot distinguished himself during the last Tour de France in his role as teammate of the winner, the Dane Jonas Vingegaard, and the Green Jersey, the Belgian Wout van Aert.
On July 30, he took 3rd place in the Clasica San Sebastian won by his compatriot Remco Evenepoel.
© 2022 AFP